SELF-registrations have been defended by a used car values expert amid warnings that 'steady nerves' are needed by used-car professionals to ensure RVs are not damaged.

Car retailing professionals must get the balance right between new and used car sales, says Andrew Wilkinson, publishing director and general manager of CAP Motor Research. He maintains it is wrong to attack dealers over self-registrations.

CAP believes self-registrations are a by-product of making production volume decisions in advance. Cars not sold at list price can be sold as previously registered at discount prices, serving car buyers and preserving jobs. 'Our response whenever self-registrations are criticised is to ask whether factory closures are preferable,' said Wilkinson.